Editor,

I am voting for Rick Hannold for Island County Commissioner, District 3, in November.

I hope many of you will join me, as well.

Hannold, a retired Navy chief petty officer with many years of solid executive experience, will bring much-needed fiscal sobriety to our county commission. Hannold would take over for Aubrey Vaughan, who was appointed to temporarily fill the seat vacated by former Commissioner Kelly Emerson, who resigned.

Hannold received the most votes among Republican candidates in our primary election, and he was one of three candidates recommended and thoroughly “vetted” for the temporary appointment.

We simply must have Hannold’s focus on basic services — public safety is his first priority — and his commitment to fiscal restraint and open, accountable government.

Our Island County commission has important work to do at a time when our economy is vulnerable and many of our neighbors and friends are struggling.

Hannold will work to keep Whidbey Island Naval Air Station here and begin the hard work of finally diversifying our local economy, encouraging local job creators and helping local entrepreneurs so our children and grandchildren can stay here.

And Rick Hannold will not allow imposition of new taxes on our families.

As a longtime, 28-year resident of Island County, Hannold understands that we need to work together for everyone’s benefit instead of allowing well-financed special interest groups to get special treatment at the expense of hard-working ordinary citizens.

Sig Hanson

Camano Island